From private underwater yoga and meditative floating sessions to tranquil dives with the ocean’s gentle giants, Nova’s unique wellness diving offering is an escapist’s journey to total mindfulness.
Located in the heart of the South Ari Atoll, Nova Maldives introduces a soulful escape blending mindfulness, marine exploration, and unparalleled natural beauty. Launching this March, the island resort’s three-day Wellness Diving Retreat package explores the wellbeing benefits of scuba diving with a curated itinerary of wellness experiences, offering guests the chance to reconnect with themselves and nature in the stunning SAMPA (South Ari Marine Protected Area), the Maldives’ largest marine biodiversity reserve.
Scuba diving is often described as a form of underwater meditation, with breath control, mindfulness, mental clarity and inner peace some of the many shared aims and benefits between the two practices. Studies1 have shown that the immediate and long-term therapeutic benefits of diving can reduce anxiety, insomnia and stress.
Guests will dive into serenity amidst a vibrant underwater world teeming with lively marine creatures and schools of fishes, while enjoying the tranquillity and warmth of Nova’s laid-back soft luxury. The retreat package’s unique blend of pre-dive meditation, yoga sessions, and slow-paced afternoon dives aboard a boat, is designed to nurture mental clarity, energise the body, and inspire a grounded sense of harmony.
Underwater Mindfulness Meets Island Serenity
Nova’s new retreat package elevates this natural connection with mindful pre- and post-dive practices in one cohesive itinerary. Guided by Nova’s PADI-certified dive centre, Aquaholics, the programme focuses on slow, controlled breathing techniques that enhance buoyancy, reduce stress, and create a calming rhythm. Complementary activities like floating meditation and underwater yoga deepen the experience, utilising the underwater sense of sensory deprivation to promote a deeper state of mindfulness and relaxation.
A Holistic Dive into Wellness
Each day begins with private underwater yoga and floating meditation at Nova’s peaceful Solis pool, setting the tone for a mindful journey beneath the waves. Divers will then explore gentle dives on the natural island’s house reefs, alive with colour and life, or venture further into the Atoll’s crystalline waters to experience the calming rhythm of traditional Maldivian boat travel.
Beyond diving at Nova’s overwater EsKape Spa, the programme provides rejuvenating sports massages focusing on neck and shoulders, promising revitalisation and tension release. For the full experience, guests are invited to pair this with detox juices and nourishing meals served at Soul Kitchen, crafted to enhance both energy and relaxation. Guests can retreat and recharge with a blissful night’s sleep in one of Nova’s pristine villa accommodation options.
Wellness Diving Retreat Package Highlights
- Morning mindfulness: Underwater yoga and floating meditation to calm the mind and prepare for the dive ahead.
- Diving for the soul: A session of skill practices and breathing techniques will be held in the Nova lagoon, where the breathtaking wonder of the underwater world awaits.
- A serene sanctuary: Explore the island resort’s house reef upclose, known for its rich biodiversity and vibrant underwater sea life.
- Rejuvenation at EsKape Spa: A specialised sports massage to release tension and restore balance.
- PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Certification: Learn visualisation and breathing techniques that foster relaxation both underwater and above.
Nova’s Wellness Diving Retreat Package will launch in March and requires a minimum four-night stay. The retreat package starts at £1,222pp, and is recommended for couples. Stays at Nova this March begin at £586pn for a Beach Villa based on two adults sharing when booked direct.
You can find more information and book Nova’s Wellness Diving Retreat here.
Bookings can be made directly through the island resort’s website. For more information, visit Nova Maldives’ website or contact nova@prm-global.plus.